Pakistan has started constructing the 1,100MW Karachi Nuclear Power Plant II (Kanupp II), which is expected to help the country meet its growing energy demands.
This work will pave the way for developing Kanupp III, which is also expected to have a generation capacity of 1,100MW.
Plans for the nuclear power facilities, estimated to cost around $10bn, are being backed by China, which has become the leading investor in energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said: "This project is an example of the healthy friendship between Pakistan and China.
"We are thankful for the continued support of Pakistan by the Chinese Government."
Construction works for the projects have been started on-time, after the foundations were set in November 2013.
Sharif said: "Two new nuclear power plants, K2 and K3 will be built near Kanupp (Karachi Nuclear Power Plant), which was built 43 years ago.
"It is our top priority to end loadshedding."
The country is likely to experience temperatures of up to 50°C (120°F) in the months of June and July, so has scheduled power cuts in anticipation of an energy crisis.
Demands for power are expected to rise during those months, which could lead to a potential shortfall of around 4GW.
Additionally, Pakistan wants to increase the power generation capacity of the 600MW Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, which is located in the central Punjab province, to 1.2GW.
Image: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif unveiling a plaque at the first concrete pouring ceremony of K-2 nuclear power project in Karachi. Photo: courtesy of Government of Pakistan – Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage.
